The United Nations has predicted challenges of water, will influence the third world war.
Even though nature has abundantly blessed us with the resource, poor policy implementation and outright disregard for laws have combined, to deprive many on the continent of potable water.
Again, there is massive pollution of water bodies, and degradation of the environment through mining among other counter- productive practices, questioning the willingness of policy makers, parliamentarians and citizens in general, to protect water resources for generations yet unborn.
The 6th Africa water week currently underway in Tanzania, is organized by the African ministers on water in conjunction with the Africa union commission.
This Africa water week, has regrettably become an annual gathering of technocrats, who meet to repeat themselves in speeches without action.
The conference is aimed at providing a platform at the highest political level for solutions to challenges affecting water protection and distribution.
This is the 6th conference, and there appears no solution in sight to water production and distribution challenges.
The difficulties keep rising as the years roll by, instead of a decline as these ministers meet and promise to do each year.
The conference brings together partners. But what sort of partnership do we forge when it appears we do not have our own values.?
The conference attracts over one thousand participants annually. Can anyone imagine the cost in hotel accommodation, airfares, and food? Who benefits from these? Our partners?
Somehow, Africa’s Scientific community, intellectuals, private sector, civil society, and the media do not appear ready to stand up for the protection of water bodies. It is about time we abandoned the talk shops and acted, or walk the talk, as the saying goes.
If we have more good examples, the rules will be few.
The theme is :”setting the platform for implementing the sustainable development goals (SDGs) on water security and sanitation”
Panelists will discuss:
1. Achieving universal and equitable access to water and sanitation for all.
2. Water security for sustainable development.
3. Productive wastewater management and sustainable water quality.
4. Financing the implementation of the 6th SDG, which is on water.
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